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I don’t want to write these words. There is fear, admittedly. I feel some who read these words will feel hurt, anger, disappointment, confusion, perhaps a loss of faith or even hatred toward myself and my ideas. Even with this very real possibility, I still feel these words are warranted. If I create a negative sentiment without any positive movement forward, then I have failed in my intent, and I apologize. I write these words with love in my soul and a desire for peace within us all. If you are reading these words, I love you as best as I am able and wish only the best for you in the life you choose to pursue.

I do not support the Proud Boys. I do not agree with their ideology. I think much of their messaging is reprehensible. I believe some members of this group have committed illegal acts and should be punished by law. In theory, I am against the Proud Boys. However, the reality is that I support the existence of the Proud Boys here in America.

To write those words gives me goosebumps. I don’t want to continue writing. I feel failure is guaranteed. I do not know if I can justify those words, but I will try. Every member of the Proud Boys is an individual human being. Every member of ANY group or organization is an individual human being, and with that recognition, I acknowledge certain rights.

All human beings deserve to exist.

Whatever our personal beliefs, thoughts, ethnicity, lifestyles, religions, immigration status, sexual preferences, gender identity, and on and on and on (all the things that make us unique as individuals), we ALL have a right to be a part of this country (I will only reference the USA).

It is my belief (and I admit that I can be wrong in my thinking) the Proud Boys are an integral part of the American landscape presently because there are SO MANY of us, as Americans, who are willing to strip other Americans, or those who would like to be Americans one day, of their most basic right to exist. So many of us in this country want others in this country not to exist. If you are willing to condemn the Proud Boys simply because they are Proud Boys, in my mind it seems reasonable for the Proud Boys to condemn Democrats and ANTIFA and the LGBTQI+ community and illegal immigrants and every other group against whom they spew hatred and vitriol.

Condemnation will always create resistance. Intolerance only creates more intolerance. Hatred creates hatred.

I vehemently disagree with the Proud Boys as an organization. If their members break the law, they need to be punished accordingly. I wish the Proud Boys were not such a prominent aspect of American society presently. However, I respect the right of the Proud Boys to exist, and I will honor that right, as I will honor the right of all the people of this country, whether I agree with them or not.